Association News
Annual Meeting Postponed, But Virtual Events Fill the Gap After thoughtful consultation with the CPA Board of Directors, CPA, The Association for Contract Packagers and Manufacturers, has made the difficult decision to postpone its 2021 in-person Annual Meeting until 2022. The CPA Board determined that due to the evolving uncertainty connected to the COVID-19 pandemic, and state and local regulations, it was not possible to ensure we could hold a safe and meaningful networking event in 2021. However, we will still be connecting with our members and the industry through new and exciting events. During this crucial time, we are planning to host virtual sessions. Among them will be: • A thought-provoking, insightful look at 2021, with a view to the future of the markets, and material and consumer insights. • A Consumer Packaged Goods panel discussion on how CPGs utilized their contract-packaging/contract-manufacturing network during the COVID-19 pandemic, what they learned, and what CP/CMs can do to prepare for the future. • A CP/CM panel discussion covering the impacts of COVID-19, how they adapted their businesses, what they learned, and their thoughts on the long-term impacts resulting from the pandemic. • A full review of the 2020 State of Contract Packaging Industry report. • Numerous other sessions covering topics such as industry trends, labor impacts, flexible packaging marketing insights, smart technology, and more. In the coming weeks, CPA will be communicating its plans for these virtual events. For more information and to stay connected with CPA, visit www.contractpackaging.org. Any questions can be directed to info@contractpackaging.org or 571/287-6818. We look forward to connecting with you again at our much anticipated 2022 in-person event.
CPA Participates in First-Ever PACK EXPO Connects In November, CPA participated in the first-ever PACK EXPO Connects virtual tradeshow. While we missed seeing everyone and connecting with the industry in-person, the virtual show helped CPA start many conversations both with potential members and with those seeking the services of CP/CMs. During the show, CPA participated in several educational events, including: • The PACK EXPO Connects Ask the Experts program, which offered lively discussions between CPA members and show attendees interested in contract packaging services.
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• The “Packaging and Processing Potpourri” Jumpstart Session, on Nov. 13. • The CPA Solution Room session, “How the Supply Chain and Need for Innovation Paradigm is Reshaping the Contract Packaging and Manufacturing Industries,” also on Nov. 13. A special thank you goes out to those CPA members who helped staff the chat function of the CPA virtual showroom and helped answer questions for the Ask the Experts resource during the event. Now more than ever, your contributions to the industry are needed and much appreciated. Whether or not you connected with us during the show, we would love to hear from you. If you work for a CP/CM company and would like to get more involved with CPA, or you are looking to partner with a CP/CM, CPA has the resources you need. Learn more at www.contractpackaging.org.
Why Use a CP/CM? When choosing a CP/CM, you are developing a partnership. A CP/CM partner must be able to complete your project at a competitive cost aligned with your time schedule with quality assurance. They may also solve common problems in startup businesses, limited production facilities, concerns about equipment investments, physical facilities, personnel training, and more. There are so many reasons brand owners and CPGs might turn to a CP/CM, and potential customers may have a lot of questions. To promote the CP/CM industry and to accompany the video we recently released, CPA has created a printed collateral piece for members to share with potential customers to help decide if partnering with a CP/CM is right for them. Find the video and the PDF of our new collateral piece online at www.contractpackaging.org/why-use-a-contract-packager. If you are a current CPA member who would like to host the video on your company website, contact CPA to learn how.
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